War, or at least violence – political and otherwise
– is clearly the unifying theme of Low’s
eighth album proper. While last outing The Great
Destroyer was atypical in rocking out more than
the majority of the Duluth slowcore legends’
previous output, Drums and Guns is both back
to basics and a further progression. The departure
of long-time bassist Zak Sally, to be replaced by
the less imposing Matt Livingston, sees the band’s
first extended excursion into the use of techy beats
and vocal loops. However, the overall impression is
still familiarly stark, if somewhat more synthetic,
despite the occasional injection of sly humour, via
a cut like ‘Hatchet’.

Everyone has their own favourite among this singular
band’s uncompromisingly intense and multi-layered
back catalogue, be it Secret Name, Things We Lost
In The Fire, or Trust, and it is difficult
to know how committed fans will take to the new electronic
incarnation of their special interest. But husband
and wife Alan Sparhawk’s hauntingly angular
guitar lines and Mimi Parker’s spine-chillingly
ethereal voice remain constants, and should ensure
a warm, if quizzical, reception.